I-765 Completion Guide for 24-Month STEM OPT Extension International Student Advising

Transcription

1 I-765 Completion Guide for 24-Month STEM OPT Extension International Student Advising

2 Read the Instructions for Form I-765 This document is a general guide to help you complete form I It is your responsibility to ensure that your form I-765 is completed correctly and all of the required evidence and supporting documents are submitted to USCIS. Please read the USCIS instructions for form I-765. You may print a copy of the Instructions for Form I-765 and the most current version of this form on the USCIS website ( The directions for completing the I-765 listed in this document are meant to be examples only. Upon reading the directions, you may determine a different method for completing the I-765. Following our guidelines does not guarantee approval of your OPT.

3 Getting Started Not all questions on form I-765 are explained in this guide. Please complete all questions on the form completely and accurately. Type (strongly recommended) or print your answers legibly on the form in black ink. You may print answers for any of the fields that do not allow you to type your answer. If a question does not apply to you, type unless otherwise directed by the instructions. If your answer to a question which requires a numeric response is zero or none, type or print None unless otherwise directed by the instructions. Complete and submit all 7 pages, even if they don t apply to you.

4 Part 1. Reason for Applying Select this reason when: It is your first time applying for pre-completion OPT. It is your first time applying for post-completion OPT, even if you previously applied for pre-completion OPT. Select this reason when you have been authorized for any type of OPT, but your EAD card was lost, stolen, damaged or needs to be corrected and is NOT due to USCIS error. Select this reason when you are applying for the 24-month STEM OPT extension.

5 Part 2. Information About You Your Full Legal Name: Write your name exactly as it appears on your I-20. Other Names Used: Type any other names, including nicknames, you have ever used on any official records or documents. If none, write in each box. FAMILY NAME First Name Middle Name or if none

6 Part 2. Information About You (pg. 2) Sammy Spartan (or if your address) X Your U.S. Mailing Address: This is where your receipt notice and EAD card will be mailed. This address should be valid for at least 3-5 months from the date you submit your application to USCIS. This may be a friend of family member s address. Do not use the attorney s or other legal representative s address. Do not use the ISSS office address. 5.a. Write in the full name (First Name Last Name) if you are using a friend or family member s address in 5.b. 5.e. Write if the address is your own address. 6 & 7.a. -7.d. Complete these items if you answer No to item 6. If you answer Yes to item 6, write in the spaces for these items.

7 Part 2. Information About You (pg. 2 continued) 8. F-1 students do not have an A-Number unless they have one from a previous immigration status (H1B, H4, etc.) or they are filing for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. If you do not have an A-Number or cannot remember it, leave blank. If you are renewing your EAD (filing for STEM OPT), this may be listed as the USCIS Number on the front of your EAD card. 9. F-1 students do not have a USCIS Online Account number, write in None. If you have one from a previous immigration status, read the USCIS Form I-765 instructions for further direction. If you choose Yes, include copies of the front & back of all previous EAD card(s) with your application to USCIS. 12. If you have applied for employment authorization using a form I-765 in the past, select Yes.

8 Part 2. Information About You (pg. 2 continued) 13.b. If you have been issued an SSN, type your number ensuring there is only one number in each box or write None. 14. If you would like to have the SSA issue a new SSN or a replacement card with your SSN on it, answer Yes and answer items 15 to 17.b. If you do not have an SSN, you will need a SSN to work in the U.S.

9 Part 2. Information About You (pgs. 2-3) 18. List all the countries where you are a citizen or a national and use part 6 of the I-765 if needed. Write in 18.b. if you do not have multiple citizenships. 19. List the names of your place of birth as it was named when you were born, even if the name has changed. 20. Type in MONTH/DAY/YEAR format.

10 Part 2. Information About You (pg. 3) Most students will have an electronic I-94. If you last entered by land, sea, or before electronic I-94s were issued, you may have a paper I-94 stapled in your passport. If you changed your status to F-1 in the US, your current I-94 may be on the bottom of your I-797A Approval Notice. Obtain the latest copy of your electronic I-94 online:

11 Part 2. Information About You (pg. 3 continued) 21.b. Use the information of the passport you last used to enter the U.S., even if it is currently expired. 21.c. Write in the box if you used your passport and it is listed above. 22. Your most recent date of arrival can be found on your I-94 or the admission stamp in your passport. 23. Type the name of the Port of Entry city from your most recent entry into the U.S. 24. Type the immigration status at your last arrival. It could be F-1, H-4, L-1, or something else. 25. If your current immigration status is not F-1, see an ISSS advisor. 26. Your SEVIS ID number is on the top, left corner of your I-20 and starts N000

12 Part 2. Information About You (pg. 3 continued) 27. An F-1 student may file for employment authorization under one of the Foreign Student Categories: Pre-Completion OPT: (c)(3)(a) Post-Completion OPT: (c)(3)(b) 24-Month STEM OPT: (c)(3)(c) You will write in the eligibility category based on the type of employment authorization you are requesting. NOTE: The first letter of the code is always lower case; the second letter is always upper case.

13 Part 2. Information About You in Software Engineering (pg. 3 continued) 28.a. Type your degree level and major. 28.b. Contact your employer s Human Resources (HR) department for this information. 28.c. This is a 4-7 digit number. Contact your employer s HR department for this Leave Blank Leave Blank information. *This is NOT the same as the Employer Identification Number or EIN Number.* 29. Type in this field. It does not apply to you. 30. Leave Blank. It does not apply to you. 31.a. Type in this field. It does not apply to you. 31.b. Leave Blank. It does not apply to you.

14 Part 3. Applicant s Statement, Contact Information, Declaration, Certification, and Signature Leave Blank Leave Blank Applicant s Statement 1.a. Select this box to indicate you have read & understood the questions & answers. 1.b. & 2 Write in and leave the boxes unchecked since you completed this application on your own. If you used a preparer to complete this application, refer to the USCIS Instructions for Form I-765 ( for guidance. Applicant s Contact Information 3-4. Enter your information. You must enter a number where you may be reached during the daytime. You may enter the same phone number for items 3 & 4. If you do not have a mobile telephone number, type in. 5. Enter an address you will check everyday. Do not use your SJSU address as it will eventually be deactivated after you graduate. 6. Leave the box unchecked. Leave Blank

15 Part 3. Applicant s Statement, Contact Information, Declaration, Certification, and Signature (continued) Read the entire declaration carefully. Applicant s Signature 7.a. Sign your name by hand. DO NOT sign electronically. Your signature MUST fit within the box. If the signature touches any of the lines of the box, your application could be delayed. If the Don t forget to sign! reminder does not disappear when you print the form, try using the most recent version of Adobe Reader to open the form or try a different browser. Handwrite Your Signature (DON T touch the lines.) 7.b. Sign your I-765 the same day you pick-up your new I-20 or after you make corrections and before you mail it, whichever is later.

16 Part 4. Interpreter's Contact Information, Certification, and Signature & Part 5. Contact Information, Declaration, and. Part 4 & Part 5 (on pages 4-6) These sections are for those who use an interpreter or paid preparer to complete the form. You will write to the questions in these sections since you completed this form yourself. If you used a preparer to complete this application, refer to the USCIS Instructions for Form I-765 ( for guidance.

17 Part 6. Additional Information FAMILY NAME First Name Middle Name or if none 1.a.-1.c. Type in your name. If you don t have a middle name, type 2. If you do not have an A-Number or cannot remember it, leave blank. If you are renewing your EAD (filing for STEM OPT), this may be listed as the USCIS Number on the front of your EAD card. 3.a.-3.c. Type in Pg. 3, Part 2, Item 27 3.d. List all previous OPT/STEM Authorizations. The ones listed here are examples only. Include the type (OPT or STEM), the start and end dates, and the receipt numbers for each authorization. Include copies of all previous OPT and STEM I-20s and EAD cards (front and back of each card) with your application.

18 Part 6. Additional Information 4.a.-4.c. Type in Pg. 3, Part 2, Item 28 4.d. STEM Degree Information. The information listed here is an example only. Type Name of major in SEVIS: and type the name of your major listed on page 1 of your I-20. Type San Jose State University, Approved CIP Code for major: then list the CIP code as listed next to your major on page 1 of your I-20. Type See attached I-20 and diploma or transcript. Include copies of all previous OPT and STEM I-20s and EAD cards (front and back of each card) with your application. Include a copy of your transcript or a copy of your diploma with your application. If your STEM application is based on a previously earned STEM degree, refer to the directions in the USCIS Instructions for Form I-765 and seek the assistance from SJSU ISSS.

19 Part 6. Additional Information If you completed any part of page 7, Part 6: Handwrite your signature and the date in the blank space at the bottom of page 7. Your Handwritten Signature DATE MM/DD/YYYY

20 Your I-765 Form is Complete Review your completed form for accuracy. Submit ALL 7 PAGES of the I-765 to USCIS. Make a copy of your completed application before mailing to USCIS. Follow the instructions on the 24-Month STEM OPT Request Form for further instructions on what documents to send and where to mail your application. Mail your application to USCIS within 60 days of the issue date on your STEM OPT I-20.